BJP files complaint over wall demolition, tree felling in Freedom Park for Rahul Gandhi’s event
Bengaluru: The BJP’s Bengaluru Central unit has filed a complaint at the Upparpete police station against the alleged demolition of a compound wall and the felling of a tree inside Freedom Park, reportedly to facilitate a protest by Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.
The Congress, which has alleged electoral malpractice in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, had initially planned to protest in Freedom Park in Bengaluru on August 5 and later deferred it to August 8 in light of the demise of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren.
“In preparation for the event, an ancient compound wall in the park was allegedly demolished, causing inconvenience to the public, damaging public property, and resulting in a loss to the government exchequer. Additionally, a tree within the park premises was cut down,” BJP Bengaluru Central President Saptagiri Gowda, who filed the petition, was quoted as saying by The New Indian Express.
The complaint further alleged that Congress undertook these activities without obtaining any permission from the concerned authorities.
It also accused the Congress of misusing government power for political purposes. “They have destroyed public property for their personal interests by constructing a huge new compound wall inside Freedom Park. This is an illegal act and a misuse of power by the ruling party,” the petition stated, as per TNIE.
The BJP leaders have demanded legal action against the organisers of the protest and the government officials allegedly involved.
The Upparpete police said that they have received the petition, adding that a preliminary inquiry is underway.
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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
